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Step closer to quantum computers thanks to Oxford scientists

Oxford University scientists have come a step closer to creating the world’s first quantum computers.

Quantum computers could be used in the future to perform complex computing tasks much faster than normal ones, but so far remain mostly theory-based. A key step in development is finding a way to store packets of light – photons – for use in computing tasks.

And now physicists leading an international team have found a way to trap the atoms using a special optical fibre at room temperature.

Author report Michael Sprague said: “We can use quantum properties of light to do computing tasks much more efficiently.”